India recorded its hottest year in history in 2024, breaking a 120-year-old record, as revealed by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on January 1. The year's average temperatures were significantly above the long-term norms, raising concerns over the impacts of climate change.

Key Temperature Records Broken

The annual mean temperature for 2024 reached 25.75 degrees Celsius, which is 0.65 degrees Celsius higher than the historical average. Notably, the average maximum temperature stood at 31.25 degrees Celsius, 0.20 degrees Celsius above normal, while the average minimum temperature soared to 20.24 degrees Celsius, exceeding the norm by 0.90 degrees Celsius.

“This makes 2024 the hottest year on record since 1901, surpassing the previous high set in 2016,” stated the IMD Director General. The year 2016 had recorded a mean land surface temperature that was 0.54 degrees Celsius above average.

Unprecedented Seasonal Heat

Months such as July, August, September, and October witnessed record-breaking average minimum temperatures. February also ranked as the second warmest February ever recorded. A review by the European climate agency Copernicus highlighted that 2024 could be the hottest year globally, marking a historic milestone where global temperatures exceeded pre-industrial levels by 1.5 degrees Celsius.

In addition, analyses by independent climate groups, World Weather Attribution and Climate Central, reported 41 extra days of dangerously high temperatures globally in 2024.

Impact of Rising Minimum Temperatures

The significant increase in minimum temperatures has raised alarms among climate experts. According to the IMD DG, “Long-term trends indicate rising minimum temperatures across much of the country, particularly during post-monsoon and winter seasons.”

The IMD also pointed to the development of La Niña conditions in January, traditionally linked to cooler winters in northern India. However, these are expected to be brief and unlikely to counter the ongoing warming trend.

Global Context and Long-Term Concerns

Globally, June 2023 was the first month where temperatures surpassed the 1.5 degrees Celsius threshold, a trend that persisted through 2024, barring July. Experts warn that the planet has now entered a phase where exceeding this limit may become a frequent occurrence.

According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the global average temperature has already risen by 1.3 degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial levels (1850-1900). This surge is attributed to increased emissions of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane, driven by human activities.

A Decade of Extraordinary Heat

The year 2024 is expected to conclude a decade characterized by unprecedented heat waves, highlighting the urgent need for global action to combat climate change. The IMD emphasized that the warming trend poses a severe threat to ecosystems, human health, and agriculture, urging policymakers to implement sustainable measures.